NASA's Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) faced setbacks on March 12, 2025, when it was scrubbed due to hydraulic issues related to ground systems at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Originally scheduled to launch at 7:48 p.m. EDT, the mission was postponed just 45 minutes prior to liftoff due to complications arising from the clamp arm's hydraulics on the Falcon 9 rocket. This is the latest challenge for NASA and SpaceX as they continue to address equipment malfunctions.
The launch team had identified the hydraulic issue as affecting the clamp’s ability to hold the Falcon 9 securely, leading to concerns about the mission's safety. NASA spokesperson Darrol Nail confirmed, "This is a ground issue. Everything was fine with the rocket and the spacecraft." Following the scrub, the mission manager made the decision to attempt another launch as early as 7:03 p.m. EDT on March 14, 2025.
The Crew-10 mission carries four astronauts: NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. They are set to join the ISS where they will relieve Crew-9's Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, NASA astronauts who have been aboard since June 2024 due to challenges with their original mission aboard Boeing's Starliner.
Despite the delays and public scrutiny, both Williams and Wilmore have expressed positivity about their time in space. Williams remarked, "This is my happy place. I love being up here in space. It’s just fun. You know, every day you do something that's work — quote, unquote — you can do it upside down. You can do it sideways, so it adds a little different perspective.”
The claim of being "stranded" or "abandoned" has been circulating, particularly following comments from prominent figures like Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. Wilmore addressed these concerns stating, "That's been the narrative from day one: stranded, abandoned, stuck — and I get it, we both get it. Help us change the narrative, let’s change it to: prepared and committed..." This statement reflects the crew's readiness to adapt to circumstances beyond their control.
Originally planned as a brief mission, the personal circumstances surrounding Williams and Wilmore became more complicated due to mechanical failures with their original spacecraft. Following their arrival onboard the ISS, it became evident they would not return to Earth as initially expected. They were reassigned to fly back with Crew-10, taking advantage of vacancies created by shifting schedules.
NASA has emphasized the need for timely rotations of crew as the station's operations rely on adequate staffing. This means the Crew-10 mission is not only significant for incoming astronauts but also for ensuring continuity of mission and research on the ISS. NASA's Commercial Crew Program seamlessly coordinates between its missions, underlining the collaborative efforts involved.
Another launch opportunity looms for Crew-10 with the new target date set for March 14. The back-and-forth of schedules is typical for space operations, reflecting the unpredictable nature of rocket launches. With weather conditions and technical challenges always at play, teams remain vigilant and prepared for instant decision-making.
Once Crew-10 reaches the ISS, the timing will also allow for several days of acclimation between Crew-9 and Crew-10, which is pivotal for operations and logistics on the ISS. After completing their objectives, Williams, Wilmore, NASA’s Nick Hague, and Roscosmos’s Aleksandr Gorbunov will look forward to their return trip, currently planned but pending weather conditions at the expected splashdown sites off the Florida coast.
While awaiting the next launch, the Crew-10 members remain prepared and engaged with their responsibilities. Their mission is part of the broader narrative of space exploration, which continues to be filled with both challenges and triumphs. They will work on conducting over 200 experiments showcasing the collaborative aspect of international space exploration.
The Crew-10 astronauts have shown resilience as they navigate the fluctuations and dynamics of space travel. While uncertainties loom, their enthusiasm remains. McClain’s remarks during the day of the scrub highlighted the team's preparedness. "Great working with you today. Kudos from the whole team. I know it was a lot of work to try to go, but like I said earlier, we'll be ready when the equipment is," she said, emphasizing the positive mindset of the crew.
The future looks promising as they prepare for the upcoming opportunities to launch, and the continuing commitment to pushing boundaries of human spaceflight remains evident. With every mission, NASA and SpaceX explore new frontiers, underscoring their dedication to enhancing knowledge and fostering international partnerships.